Revisiting the Blues' Trade for Ryan O'Reilly
The St. Louis Blues made a franchise-defining move when they acquired Ryan O'Reilly from the Buffalo Sabres. The deal would later play a major role in helping the Blues win their first Stanley Cup.
The Trade Details
The agreement between St. Louis and Buffalo sent O'Reilly to the Blues in exchange for Patrik Berglund, Vladimir Sobotka, Tage Thompson, a first-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, and a second-round pick in 2021. At the time, many analysts viewed the trade as strongly favoring St. Louis.
Changing Perceptions Over Time
More than six years later, opinions on the trade have balanced. What seemed one-sided has evolved into a complex exchange that continues to shape both teams' futures. Each side maintains reasons to believe they benefited in different ways.
Ryan O'Reilly’s Journey
O'Reilly, selected 33rd overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, quickly became a popular and reliable player. Fearing his long-term cost, Colorado traded him to the Sabres for defenseman Nikita Zadorov, forwards Mikhail Grigorenko and J.T. Compher, plus the 31st overall pick in the 2015 Draft.
While playing three seasons in Buffalo, O'Reilly appeared in 224 games, tallying 65 goals and 176 points. He consistently achieved at least 60 points per season, but the Sabres’ record of 93-118-35 during that time left O'Reilly frustrated and disillusioned with the game.
“He never produced less than 60 points in a single season, but the team's poor performance eroded his passion for hockey.”
Conclusion
The O'Reilly trade remains a defining moment for both the Blues and the Sabres, illustrating how a single transaction can reshape franchises and careers in the NHL.
Author’s summary: O'Reilly's move to St. Louis redefined two franchises—rekindling his career and transforming the Blues into Stanley Cup champions.